A study by doctors at the national referral hospital finds an increase in the number of stroke cases. About 700 cases were reported from 2011 to 2015. Male patients accounted for more than half of the cases.
Stroke is caused mainly by blockage of blood vessel and bleeding in the brain. It also occurs when a part of the brain is damaged due to the lack of blood supply.
The report found the average age of people suffering from stroke to be 65.
Hemorrhagic or bleeding in the brain and ischemic infarction or blockage of vessels to the brain are common cases reported in Bhutan. According to the report, over 56 per cent of the cases were ischemic, while more than 37 per cent were hemorrhagic cases.
Sudden weakness in the face and arms and trouble in speaking or difficulty in understanding speech are some of the symptoms. Sudden loss of consciousness is another symptom.
Health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetics associated neurological problems and cardiovascular or heart diseases, remain leading causes of stroke.
As people age, the risk factors also increase.
“The blood vessels become weak as you become older and cardiac problems or high cholesterol blocks the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain,” Dr, Tashi Tenzin, a Neurosurgeon with the JDWNRH, said.
The blockage of vessels that supply blood to the brain, he said, can be treated both by medication and removal of clot. However, clot removing facility is not available in the country.
The national referral hospital sees at least one stroke patient every two to three days.
